TIMISKAMING FOREST ALLIANCE INC.
IN CONFORMANCE WITH CODE OF FOREST PRACTICES
The Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA) has recognized Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc. (TFAI) for meeting the requirements of the Association’s Code of Forest Practices, which came into effect at the start of 2000.
"We are proud of this significant achievement," said Allan Foley, General Manager of the TFAI. "By complying with the Code, this Company has gone beyond the legal requirements, addressing not only our forest management practices, but areas such as health and safety, openness, and accountability to the public."
To measure compliance, OFIA members are required to complete a yearly Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) which, like the Code itself, is based on goals of sustainability and progressive forest management. The SAQ recognizes four levels of achievement, from mandatory conformance to increasingly stringent bronze, silver and gold standards. With mandatory compliance achieved, OFIA is now developing an audit protocol. Members of the OFIA Code of Forest Practices Task Force will conduct initial peer audits on selected OFIA member companies.
The OFIA maintains that the essence of the Code is it’s vision. OFIA members envision a future in which recognition of the inherent value of a healthy forest environment is foremost and, in that context, a variety of human needs are met.
When companies first agreed to adopt the Code, they hoped it would help them demonstrate leadership through their forest management practices, and provide an incentive for other segments of the forest community. The Code was developed in 1992 by a group that included representatives from industry, as well as the aboriginal, academic, environmental and labour communities. Framed by a series of Guiding Principles, it has had a tremendous positive impact on the way Ontario has moved toward the goal of sustainability. It reflects the fact that Ontario forests encompass a range of cultural, ecological, economic and social values. It shows how members of the OFIA, which includes Timiskaming Forest Alliance Inc, are working to maintain these values, now and for the future.
To that end, several of the commitments initiated by the Code in 1992, have now become legal requirements. Examples are the need to include public participation in forest management planning, and to participate in regular reviews of company performance.
"TFAI is intent on earning public trust by adhering to a strict set of rules that go beyond our legal requirements" said Foley. "However, the Code is not a static document. Since it was first introduced, it has been independently reviewed, updated and re-issued. It will continue to evolve to reflect new information and standards, and the changing dynamics of the industry."
The Code of Forest Practices is available on the OFIA web site (www.ofia.com), and hard copies may also be obtained from the TFAI office in Englehart.
The OFIA is a provincial trade association representing companies engaged in forest management in Ontario, as well as those that manufacture lumber, panelboard, plywood, veneer, pulp, paper and paperboard. Members include most primary manufacturers in the province and account for about 75% of the annual harvest.
For the current operating year, TFAI is managing an 8,000,000 tree forest renewal program in conjunction with an annual harvest of about 800,000 cubic meters. Coincidental with the ongoing annual forest management program, TFAI is also currently preparing the 2001-2021 Forest Management Plan for the Timiskaming Forest.
For more information contact:
Allan Foley, R.P.F.
General Manager
TIMISKAMING FOREST ALLIANCE INC.
P.O. Box 550
Englehart, Ontario
P0J 1H0
Ph. (705) 544-2828
Fx. (705) 544-2921